Instagram SEO: 15 Must Follow Steps

Hello ALL! Pablo Espinal here,

In this blog post, we will discuss 15 steps you need to follow to optimize your Instagram profile for search engines.

Here we go…

Instagram Statistics To Keep In Mind

2 billion active users

More than 60% of Instagrammers are under 34 years old

More than 500 million people use Instagram every day

1-It’s All In The Name

Develop a name for your Instagram profile that is search-engine friendly.

Choose a name that includes keywords related to your Instagram account, and keep it short and memorable.

Don’t use extra characters on your name. It should be a single word.

Here are some examples of great Instagram names that are SEO-friendly:

Fashionistairl

PhotographyLover23

Foodiegram4U

I highlighted the keywords included in the above Instagram names.

You can’t use these exact names, but you get the idea.

2-Hashtags Are Key

An Instagram Hashtag is a keyword or phrase used to describe and categorize Instagram posts.

Use appropriate hashtags in the bio section of your Instagram page.

Make sure to include relevant hashtags related to what you post on Instagram, and make sure they aren’t too long or generic.

Here are some examples of Instagram Hashtags that are SEO-friendly:

#Fashionista

#PhotographyLover

#Foodiegram

Just take a look at the top hashtags in 2022 below, and you will see they all follow this rule:

The source for the above image is here.

3-Link All Of Your Sites Together

If applicable, include a link from Instagram to other social media sites and personal websites/blogs.

This will help increase the visibility of your Instagram profile by creating backlinks, which can boost SEO rankings.

This is something I do every week. Whenever I post a new post on my website, I immediately share it on my Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.

Here is how to link your Instagram account to your LinkedIn:

Step 1: Go to Instagram profile settings (Click on the three-dotted icon)

Step 2: Select “Accounts” from the drop-down menu

Step 3: Click on “Add Account” and then select LinkedIn

Step 4: Sign in with your LinkedIn credentials and add your Instagram profile URL

Step 5: Save the changes

Here is how to link your Instagram account to your Twitter:

Step 1: Go to Instagram profile settings (Click on the three-dotted icon)

Step 2: Select “Accounts” from the drop-down menu

Step 3: Click on “Add Account” and then select Twitter

Step 4: Sign in with your Twitter credentials and add your Instagram profile URL

Step 5: Save the changes

Here is how to link your Instagram account to your Facebook:

Step 1: Go to Instagram profile settings (Click on the three-dotted icon)

Step 2: Select “Accounts” from the drop-down menu

Step 3: Click on “Add Account” and then select Facebook

Step 4: Sign in with your Facebook credentials and add your Instagram profile URL

Step 5: Save the changes

4-Keywords And Captions Go Hand In Hand

An Instagram caption is the text that accompanies the Instagram post.

Incorporate keywords into each caption for every photo or video posted on Instagram.

This will help Instagram search engines better understand what your Instagram profile is all about.

For example, if you have an Instagram account that focuses on fashion and style, use keywords like “fashion,” “style,” “trends,” etc. in your captions.

Here are some other examples of Instagram captions:

The source for the above image is here.

5-Add A New Post Once A Day

Post frequently, as Instagram posts with more engagement (likes and comments) tend to rank higher in Instagram’s search results.

Aim for at least one post per day, or even more if possible.

It works, but this is entirely based on your life and how much free time you have.

I post 3 times a week on weekends as it is the only time I have available to post.

6-Use Instagram Stories

An Instagram story is a photo or video that is posted on Instagram for only 24 hours.

Instagram stories can help improve SEO rankings due to the increased visibility of your Instagram account through the Stories feature.

Try incorporating keywords into your Instagram stories for the best results in terms of SEO optimization.

Here are some other ways to increase your Instagram story engagement:

Use Stickers

An Instagram sticker is a small, interactive graphic that users can add to their Instagram stories.

Using Instagram stickers can make your Instagram stories more engaging and eye-catching, which will help improve SEO rankings.

For example, you could use the hashtag sticker to add relevant hashtags to your Instagram story without taking up too much space in the caption.

Take a poll

An Instagram story poll is a poll where users can ask their followers for opinions and feedback.

This is a great way to engage with your followers in an interactive way that will boost engagement, leading to improved Instagram SEO rankings.

Using Instagram story polls, you can also get insights into what your audience might like or dislike about a particular product or service, which can help you tailor your Instagram content to serve your audience better.

Take advantage of quizzes

Instagram quizzes are a great way to engage with followers and increase engagement.

They provide users with an interactive, fun, informative experience, which will help improve Instagram SEO rankings over time.

Quizzes are also a great way to get user feedback on products or services you’re offering and get insights into what your audience wants from you.

Give away coupons or promos

Giving away coupons or promos is a great way to get more followers and increase Instagram engagement.

By giving away discounts, freebies, or other incentives, you can attract new followers interested in your products or services and encourage existing followers to engage with your Instagram posts.

This increased engagement will lead to improved Instagram SEO rankings over time.

Use Tiny Tags

Tiny tags are Instagram’s version of hashtags. They are smaller versions of Instagram hashtags but still carry the same weight regarding SEO optimization.

Tiny tags should be used in Instagram captions, descriptions, and stories to help your Instagram content show up on more searches and get more attention.

Create, Announce Contest Winners

Hosting Instagram contests and announcing the winners is a great way to increase Instagram engagement, leading to improved Instagram SEO rankings.

Creating Instagram contests can help you reach new audiences and gain more followers, as contestants are likely to share their entries with their followers who may not be familiar with your Instagram account.

Announcing the winners is also a great way to reward your followers and make them feel appreciated, leading to increased engagement.

Got A Special Skill? Show it Off

Artist James Lewis has accumulated an impressive 1 million followers due to his skill.

If you have a particular skill or talent, Instagram is the perfect platform to show it off!

By posting content showcasing your skills and talents, you can gain followers interested in what you do and increase Instagram engagement.

You can also use Instagram stories to give people a behind-the-scenes look at your work.

Ask For Follower Feedback

Asking your followers for feedback can help you understand what they like and don’t like about your Instagram content and what type of content they want to see more of.

This can help tailor your Instagram content to serve your audience better and lead to increased engagement, which will help improve Instagram SEO rankings over time.

Create A AMA event

Creating an Instagram AMA (Ask Me Anything) event is a great way to engage with your followers and get them talking.

It’s also a great way to learn more about your audience, as they will likely share their opinions on various topics related to your Instagram account or the products/services you offer.

7-Connect With Other Influencers

Connect with influencers related to your niche by tagging them in photos/videos or commenting on their posts; this will create backlinks that help increase the visibility of your Instagram profile.

8-Take Advantage Of Instagram Ads

Create Instagram ads that are search engine friendly by using the right keywords in the copy and visuals, as well as targeting the right audience.

In 2022, more than 15 billion dollars were spent on ads; enough said.

Here is how to create an Instagram ad:

1. Choose a goal: Instagram ads can drive traffic, generate leads or increase sales.

2. Select a target audience: Instagram offers various targeting options like age, gender, location, and interests; you should use these to define your ideal customer profile and target them accurately with relevant ad content.

3. Set a budget: Instagram ads are cost-efficient, so make sure to set an appropriate budget that fits your goals and ROI targets.

4. Design creative visuals: Instagram users are drawn to visually appealing images/videos, so make sure to create eye-catching visuals for your Instagram ads that attract attention and encourage engagement from viewers.

5. Analyze results: Once you’ve launched your Instagram ad, track the results to see if it’s performing well and make adjustments if necessary.

9-Original Content Is Always Better

Make sure to post original content consistently, as Instagram tends to favor unique and original posts over those copied or stolen from another account/source.

10-Captions Should Always Be Short

Keep Instagram captions short but exciting.

Instagram captions should not be too long yet informative enough for viewers to understand what it’s about in a few seconds.

Here are some examples of great captions you can use:

• “The best things come in small packages.”

• “Smile; life is beautiful!”

• “Today is a great day to start something new.”

11-Use Filters To Your Advantage

Use relevant Instagram filters for each photo/video you post.

Make sure to use Instagram filters that fit the theme of the photo/video you post, as Instagram filters help with SEO rankings.

12-Tag, Tag, Tag

A tag references another Instagram account, photo, or video.

Tag locations in Instagram posts. This will help Instagram search engines understand where your profile is located and thus increase visibility for those searching that specific location.

Here is how to tag locations on Instagram:

1. Tap on the “Add location” option in Instagram when creating a post.

2. Search for the name of the place or city you want to tag.

3. Select the correct location and add it to your Instagram post.

4. Tag people or accounts related to that particular post by using the “Tag

people” option.

13-And We’re LIVE!

Use Instagram Live broadcasts when possible.

Instagram Live videos tend to get more interaction from viewers, which can improve overall SEO rankings for the account; make sure to use relevant keywords in each live broadcast.

Here is how to go live on Instagram:

1. Tap the camera icon in the Instagram app.

2. Select “Live” at the bottom of your screen.

3. Write a brief description before going live, and include relevant keywords that describe your Instagram Live broadcast.

4. Start broadcasting and have fun!

14-Engage Other Users

Engage with other Instagram users by replying to comments and liking their posts.

Instagram rewards accounts that keep up a reasonable engagement rate with followers, so engaging consistently is highly recommended for better SEO results on Instagram.

15-Closely Monitor Your Instagram Analytics

Always use Instagram analytics to monitor and optimize your Instagram profile’s SEO performance.

Instagram analytics can help you track keywords, hashtags, and other metrics that will give you a better idea of how well your Instagram account is doing in terms of SEO.

Make sure to pay attention to the following three points for your Instagram Analytics:

• Instagram followers: track changes in Instagram followers over time

• Instagram engagement rate: monitor interactions on Instagram posts

• Instagram reach: keep an eye on how far your posts reach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram SEO

What is Instagram SEO?

Instagram SEO is optimizing your Instagram profile and content to increase visibility in Instagram’s search engine results.

This can be done by incorporating relevant keywords, hashtags, and other SEO tactics into your Instagram profile and posts.

How do I optimize my Instagram account for SEO?

The best way to optimize an Instagram account for SEO is to include relevant keywords in the bio section.

Use appropriate hashtags in the captions, incorporate links from Instagram to other websites/blogs/social media accounts

Post frequently with original content and engage with followers consistently.

Does using Instagram filters affect SEO rankings?

Yes, Instagram filters can impact SEO rankings, as Instagram tends to favor posts that use filters that fit the post’s theme.

Therefore, finding the right Instagram filter for each post you make is essential.

Well, that’s it for now! But don’t forget to like and share if you found this helpful information.

Until next time,

Pablo Espinal